
Class ?S3 50c ^ 



BookJliJ_£_SL 



Gopyiight}]"_ 



\0^\\CL, 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



ACTING VERSION OF 

HENFYW SAVAGES 

@ PRODUCTION OF @ 

EVEPYWOMAN 



■on 



HER. PILGRIMAGE IN QJIEST OF LOVE 

A 
MODERT4 
MORALITY 
PLAY <i a> BY 
WALTER. 
BROWNE 



NE'W YORK 

THE H. K. FLY COMPiU^Y 

PUBLISHERS 



BBWiilMlllitffaWBIiifli^ 



T 



^^vH?^ 



'7{ g^j- Ei 



Copyright, June, igc 
By 
Walter Browne. 



Henry W. Savage is the sole proprietor of the 

exclusive rights of the representation and 

performance of "Everywoman" 

in all languages. 



©CIA303355 






^ 



INTRODUCTION 

While "Everywoman" is absolutely a modern play as 
regards characterization, action and environments, it is 
fashioned after the model of the ancient morality plays, 
those products of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries 
of which "Everyman" is the best known example. 

While every character in "Everywoman" is symbolical 
of various abstract virtues, vices and conditions, I have 
endeavored to make them also concrete types of actual 
men and women of the present day. It was my object 
to present an allegory, in the shape of a stage play, 
sufficiently dramatic and soul-stirring in its story and 
action to form an attractive entertainment, quite apart 
from its psychological significance. 

"Everywoman" is intended to afford pleasure and 
entertainment to all classes of intelligent playgoers — 
hence the music, the songs, and choruses, the dances, the 
spectacular and scenic eft'ects, and the realism of every- 
day life. 

It is not a sermon in disguise, neither is it a quixotic 
eft'ort to elevate the stage. At the same time it is hoped 
that the play may be found to contain some clean and 
wholesome moral lessons. 

Since the days of chivalry, when knights clashed steel 
for their lady-loves and went on crusades to prove their 



INTRODUCTION 

prowess, while they remained secluded in cloisters or in 
moated castles, womankind, of which the title role of 
this play is intended to be a type, has grown more self- 
assertive and more bold. To every woman who nowadays 
listens to flattery, goes in quest of love, and openly lays 
siege to the hearts of men, this play may provide a 
kindly warning. 

To every man it may suggest an admonition, the text 
of which is contained in the epilogue to the play : 

"Be tnerciful, be just, be fair 
To Everywoman, everywhere. 
Her faults are many. Nobody's the blame." 

Walter Browne. 
New York, 
January, 191 1. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Everywoman and her companions: Youth, 

Beauty and Modesty Frontispiece x--" 

"We have engaged, at too high a price, a jade for 
leading parts. Everywoman is costly'' .... 35 ■ 

"Passion, I know thee now. Thou art not Love, 
the King" 60 

"Behold your Queen! Men, ye shall how down and 
worship Everywoman" 65 ■* 

New Year's Eve on Broadway 89 ^ 

" 'Tis Time, the callhoy of the sotd, zvho comes to 

warn us for our final scene prepare" 98 "^ 

"Wilt he my Queen?" iii 

"God guard thee" 121 '^^ 



r Theatre managers, 



CHARACTERS 

(In the order in which they appear) 
Nobody 

Youth \ 

Beauty > Everywoman' s companions 

Modesty ) 

Everywoman 

Flattery 

Truth^ a zvitch 

King Love the First 

Bluff 

Stuff 

Pert 

Flirt 

Dimples 

Curls 

Giggle y Chorus girls 

Shape 

Curves 

Smiles 

Sly 

Time, a callboy 

Wealth, a millionaire 

Witless, a nobleman 

Conscience, Everywoman's handmaiden 



CHARACTERS 



Passion^ a play actor 

Grovel ) ,, 

„ y S ervants 

Sneak ) 

PuFF^ a press agent 

Age 



Greed 

Self 

Vanity 



Society women 



Vice, "Gay White Way" siren 

Law 
Order 

-Charity, a minister of the Gospel 



r Policemen 



An important feature of ''Everywoman" will be its 
musical equipment of twenty-six numbers, especially 
composed by George Whitefield Chadwick, one of the 
few Americans to achieve high standing as a symphonic 
writer. The numbers include three solos, a trio, four 
choruses, a male quartette, several dances, and incidental 
and entr'acte numbers. For the rendering of the score 
an orchestra of forty pieces will be employed. 



CANTICLE I 



Scene: The scene is a room in Everywoman^s 

home. It is comfortable and artistically 
furnished. At the hack are large win- 
doivs, open to the ground, through which 
is seen a picturesque garden in Spring 
attire. The room is in semi-darkness, 
but the sun is seen rising above the hills 
beyond the garden. The light of early 
dawn illumines the zvindozvs, and gradu- 
ally grows to broad daylight, throughout 
the action. Left of room is a large open 
■fireplace, with a chimney-seat. At the 
right an old-fashioned stairway leads to 
Everywoman's sleeping-room. A full- 
length cheval glass, or mirror, stands at 
left centre. A spinning-wheel R. 

Discovered: When the curtain divides. Nobody is dis- 
covered standing in centre of room. 
He zvears an artistic costume, entirely 
unlike all existing or accepted fashions, 
and chiefly designed for comfort and 
convenience. Nobody is as handsome as 
he thinks himself, and a better actor than 
he is willing to admit. He speaks the 
following prologue: 



EVERYWOMAN 



NOBODY 



Good friends, and I have many such 
Who treat me well and love me much, 

To introduce myself I first make bold. 
I'm Nobody. A sorry wight, i 

Who reads a woman's fate aright, j 

For unto him her hidden thoughts are told. 
Whatever may be here portrayed. 
Remember but a simple maid / 

Was Everywoman, in her early youth. ; 
If haply she be led astray i 

'Tis she the penalty must pay, ■ 

And Nobody will know the bitter truthj 
I ask your patience for our play. 
Let Nobody your judgment sway, 

For Nobody knows what is just and fair. 
If it offend, mine be the blame ; 
And if it please you, just the same 

I promise you that Nobody will care. 



{The sun has risen, and a stream of sunshine illumines a 
path down the stage. Merry music and singing of 
birds is heard outside. Youth, Beauty and Modesty, 
three extremely pretty girls, dressed in simple robes 
of white, and linked together with garlands of roses, 
trip from the garden, through the windows, and dozvn 
the sunlit path in Everywoman's home. They dance 
a graceful measure as they sing. Nobody hides his 
eyes to shut out the sight, and retires to an obscure 
corner as the maidens advance.) 



EVERYWOMAN 

YOUTH, BEAUTY AND MODESTY 

Born of a sunbeam's purity, 

Beauty, Youth and Modesty. 
Three little winsome maidens we. 

Each of sunshine savors. 
Linked in a chain of roses, see 

Beauty, Youth and Modesty — 
Wouldn't you like to kiss all three ? 

Kisses go by favors. 

Beauty was made to be kissed, forsooth, 
That's a well established truth. 

And you may take your chance with Ycith. 
Let Nobody see, oh ! 

Still, after all, you'd best not try, ; 

Even though Nobody's nigh, 

Or Modesty will surely fly- 
Sweetest of the trio. 

Three little foolish fairies see. 

Beauty, Youth and Modesty; 
Though but her humble servants we, 

Everywoman heeds us. 
Soon as she rises from her rest- 

Each of us a welcome guest, 
We are the friends whom she loves best; 

Everywoman needs us. 

{Dance.) 



NOBODY 

Youth, Beauty, Modesty, prithee cease 
Your singing and your dancing. True 



NOBODY 

t 

True it be 



TO EVERYWOMAN 

That Everywoman needs 3^e. True, your presence 
Makes joyous this, her home, even though I, 
Nobody, nightly intrude upon its privacy. 
But you have missions more deep than thus to dance 
Attendance on Everywoman. Youth, what bringest thou ? 

YOUTH 

I bring to Everywoman happiness. 

NOBODY 

Happiness ! Bah ! 
Thou bringest folly, Youth, and shouldst be garbed 
In cap and bells. Beauty, what bringest thou ? 

BEAUTY 

I bring her admiration, homage, joy. 

NOBODY 

Not so! 
Thou bringest, from her own sex, envy, hatred 
For Everywoman. And Modesty, what is thy mission. 
Modesty ? 

MODESTY 

In truth, I know not. I came with Youth and Beauty. 

NOBODY 

Cling close to their skirts, or they may give thee the slip. 
Have a care. Trust Nobody. 



EVERYWOMAN n 

MODESTY 



Indeed, I do. 



NOBODY 

The night 
Is fled, and Everywoman, awaking from her slumbers, 
Doth illuminate some hitherto dark corner. 
(Everywoman laughs outside.) 

NOBODY 

List! As the song of the lark proclaimeth dawn, 
Doth Everywoman's laughter waken sunshine. 
Were I not Nobody, its joyous tones, with rapture 
Would thrill my soul. 

EVERYWOMAN 

{Appears at the head of the stairs, dressed in a clinging 
Grecian costume of zvhite. Her hair hangs loosely 
down. She throzvs kisses through door.) 

Farewell, sweet dreamland fairies, fare ye well. 
At dawn, see ! Everywoman flouts ye. In my dreams 
I thought myself a flower. And then, anon, 
I was a star, to whom men bowed in worship. 
Yet again, I thought myself a Queen. 
The dawn hath braver stories far to tell, 
For, see ! I am a woman ! — and to be 
A woman meaneth flower, star, Queen — 
And more, much more, besides. 

{Sees girls, who courtesy.) 



12 EVERY WO MAN 

{Joyfully) 
Ha ! There ye are ! 

{Coming downstairs) 
Welcome, sweet companions mine. Most lovingly Every- 

woman greets ye. 
Thou, sweet Youth, whom first I met at my mother's knee. 

{Taking Youth's hand) 
Dost know they say I stole thee from her, and that is 
why she did grow gray ? 

YOUTH 

Nay, Everywoman, to thyself be just. Thy mother mar- 
ried well, and she bore children. What further need 
had she of Youth? 

EVERYWOMAN 

But thou wilt never desert me, sweet Youth ? Nor thou, 
my Beauty? 

{Taking 'E'EAXiTY's hand) 
But that I feared to offend these twain, I might call 
Beauty Everywoman's best friend, even though some 
have deemed thee fickle. 

{To Modesty) 
Modesty, come hither. 

{Takes Modesty's hands) 
Nay, do not hang thy head. Thou'rt welcome, though 
perchance thou camest to me somewhat later than thy 
companions. When wert thou born, sweet Modesty? 

modesty 
In truth, I know not; when or whence I came, I cannot 
tell. Nobody knows. 



EVERYWOMAN 13 

EVERYWOMAN 

Nobody? That fellow here again! See how he turns 
away, as if to hide us from his sight. 
{Earnestly) 
I hate Nobody ! 

MODESTY 

But why ? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Hush ! Let me tell ye a secret. 

(Gathering maids around her) 
Nobody is in love with me. 



BEAUTY 

{shocked) 
Oh ! That is truly terrible ! 



YOUTH 

Just think ! If Nobody should marry thee ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

I vow that would be much against my will. In truth, me- 

thinks that while I have you, my Youth and Beauty, 

{placing an arm around each) 

I surely may escape a fate so horrible. Still, I am miser- 
able when Nobody is nigh. 

YOUTH 

And I! 



14 EVERYWOMAN 

BEAUTY 

And I! 

MODESTY 

Yet I feel safe with him. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Thou'rt right. Modesty is safe with Nobody. Yet, when 
Nobody is nigh, what heed hath Everywoman of Mod- 
esty ? 

MODESTY 

Then prithee bid him go hence. 

EVERYWOMAN 

I will. 
{To Nobody) 
This, sir, is Everywoman's home, 
Which Nobody dares to enter uninvited. 
Nobody intrudes — 

{pointing to windows) 
Begone ! 

nobody 

{Coming down tragically.) 
Everywoman, 

{Girls utter little screams, and scatter.) 
- There shall come a time when thou, 

'Deserted by Youth, forsaken by Beauty, and with Modesty 
Forgotten, shalt know that Nobody is thy friend. 
There shall surely come a time when, worn 
And weary with worldly cares, thou shalt love Nobody. 



EVERYWOMAN 15 

To thee a time shall come when, at thy cry 
For help, for comfort, Nobody shall come. 
When on this breast thine aching head shall rest ; 
When Nobody shall brush thy tears away. 

GIRLS 

{shudder) 
Ah! 

NOBODY 

{turning to Youth) 
Thou, Youth, 
Thy kisses shall lose their fragrance. Beware of Time. 

{To Beauty) 
Beauty! Thy cheeks shall fade, when rose leaves fall. 

{To Modesty) 
Modesty ! Assassins lie in wait for thee. 

{Goes up stage) 
Remember — 

Nobody hath warned ye. Nobody hath spoken. Be sure 
'tis true. 

{Exits.). 

every wo Mv\N 

Bah ! An arrant knave, that man. His threats absurd.. 
Methinks I should have used a woman's weapons on 
his sneering face, but that thou, my Modesty, didst 
hold me back. 

youth 
My kisses grow less fragrant ! Stuff and nonsense ! 



i6 EVERYWOMAN 

BEAUTY 

My cheeks to fade ! Why, I positively blush to think of it ! 

MODESTY 

And treacherous death for me ! How to escape it ? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Methinks thou shouldst wear armor, Modesty, beneath thy 
gown,. which, with its frills and furbelows, little be- 
tokens thy nature. Why, thou art dressed as gaily as 
thy gladsome companions. Fie, Miss Modesty! 
{Laughs; goes to spinning-wheel.) 

MODESTY 

{hiding her face on Beauty's breast) 
With shame I burn. 

beauty 
Nay, Everywoman, methinks thou chidest 
Our sister Modesty unjustly. Why should she mope? 
In sackcloth go, or wear a coat of mail ? 

YOUTH 

Beauty is right. True Modesty, armed in purity, 
Need not be prim and prudish. 

{Goes to Everywoman) 
And thou, sweet Everywoman, 

If thou wouldst happy be, let gay Youth lead thee. 
There is thy mirror ; prithee, gaze in that. 



EVERYWOMAN 17 

MODESTY 

{intercepting her) 
Nay, Everywoman, Modesty bids thee shun 
Thy mirror as thou wouldst a plague. 

EVERYWOMAN 

A plague, sayest thou, Miss Modesty ? I'd have thee know 

I have no fear to gaze upon myself. 

Come, Youth and Beauty, we at least will look 

Upon our fair reflections in the glass. 

While Everywoman hath such sweet companions 

Her mirror is her best and bravest friend. 

(Everywoman^ Youth and Beauty pose before mirror.) 

How say ye, dears ? What think ye of my form ? 

YOUTH 

Divine ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

This pose, or that — which suits me best ? 

beauty 
Where both are perfect, how is one to choose? 

everywoman 
What of my face ? 

youth 
'T would waken envy in an angel. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Then my hair ? 



i8 EVERYWOMAN 

BEAUTY 

Like threads of burnished gold. 

EVERYWOMAN 

How likest thou mine eyes? 

YOUTH 

Twin lakes of loveliness. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Fie, Youth ! But look ! Look in the mirror, once more. 

What marvel's this? A stranger! 

(The surface of the mirror changes, and standing within 

the frame, Flattery is seen. He is gaily dressed as 

a courtier. The maidens stand spellbound, Youth 

; and Beauty clinging to Everywoman. Modesty, 

'' behind her, places a shazvl over her bosom.) 

FLATTERY 

(bowing lowly, in smooth, persuasive tones, speaks) 
No stranger, I. When not on active duty. 
Attending my lord and master, King Love the First, 
Within the magic of a maiden's mirror 
I make my home. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Who art thou? 

FLATTERY 

My name is Flattery. 



EVERYWOMAN 19 

MODESTY 

Oh ! Everywoman, I pray thee, harken not to this man, 
For though his tongue be sweet, his heart is false. 



EVERYWOMAN 

Silence, fool! 

(bowing) 
Sir Flattery. What wouldst with me? 
And why my mirror, rather than any other. 
Hast thou been bold to haunt ? 



FLATTERY 

Ask Youth and Beauty. 

YOUTH 

Nay, I vow I know not Flattery. 

BEAUTY 

Nor I, forsooth. 

FLATTERY 

I come as Herald of King Love the First, 

A mighty monarch, whose power more potent is 

Than that of earthly rulers. 

This the missive which he bade me bring: 

"To Everywoman go, oh, Flattery," quoth he, 

"And bid her seek me where her fancy or 

Her whim shall best suggest my hiding place. 

To her then shalt thou tell how Love the First 



20 EVERY WOMAN 

Would have her journey to his bright domain, 
That she may reign as Queen for evermore." 
Love awaits thee, Everywoman. He would have 
Thee sit beside him on his gilded throne, 
Dwell with him, a crown of bliss upon thy head. 
Love longs for thee ! Oh, Everywoman, therefore go 
Out into' the world and seek him. Seek thy King. 
Seek everywhere, for everywhere his throne 
Is raised. Great is his Kingdom ; — but beware ! 
Love's ways are strange. He travels incognito. 

(Vision begins to fade.) 
And now, farewell ! 

Thy mirror tells thee truly. Love awaits, 
Waits Everywoman. Seek him. Fare thee well. 

(He vanishes.) 
(The mirror again reflects the images of the maidens.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

{rapturously) 
Love awaits me! Oh, look! Sweet companions mine, 

(going to mirror) 
Am I not beautiful ? The mirror tells me so, 
Even though Flattery hath fled. Love would make me 

a queen. 
And should I keep His Majesty waiting? Nay. 
I will obey his Herald. I will seek him. 

MODESTY 

I pray thee, Everywoman, heed not the wiles of Flattery. 
Hast thou not heard that Flattery is false — a tool of the 
tempter ? 



EVERYWOMAN 21 

EVERYWOMAN 

Stop thy prating, Modesty. What dost thou know of 
Love? I tell thee I will go. Come, Youth and 
. Beauty. Ye shall be my companions in the quest. 
{She embraces them.) 

MODESTY 

Oh ! Mistress mine, this is the first time thou hast turned 
from me. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Forgive me, Modesty. For a moment I had forgotten 
how faithful and how sweet hath been thy friendship. 
{Bends over Modesty and kisses her.) 

Cheer up, for thou shalt surely share my pilgrimage. But 
Everywoman must obey when Love commands. 

beauty 
And whither shall we seek this mighty monarch? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Ah! Where, indeed? 

youth 
I have been told that Love is most readily found in the 
playhouses of the great cities. 

MODESTY 

Youth, thou art foolish! 

YOUTH 

Nay. In very truth, I have heard it said that Love is 
actually made by play actors — made from nothing at 



22 EVERY WO MAN 

all. Conjured up, so to speak, as magicians summon 
mighty spirits, with a few wondrous words, 

EVERYWOMAN 

(vastly interested) 
Is that true? Sweet Youth, how dost thou know these 
marvellous things? 

BEAUTY 

Trust Youth, to let no whisper of Love escape her. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Ah ! But is that Love, the King ? 

MODESTY 

No, Everywoman. Knowest thou not that there are 
many pretenders to his throne? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Many anxious to share it with him, I trow. 

'Tis those whom he favors least that slander him. 

I sat in the garden yonder, at eventide, 

Absorbed in a volume of fairy lore, "The Kingdom 

Of Love," 'twas called, and as, entranced, I read, 

Idly kicking pebbles into a moss-grown well, 

A witch appeared. 

GIRLS 

{in awe} 
A witch ! 



EVERYWOMAN 23 

EVERY wo MAN 

She must have been a witch, for she hobbled on crutches, 
and said uncanny things. 

YOUTH 

What said she? 

BEAUTY 

Prithee, tell us. Do. 

EVERYWOMAN 

"I am Everywoman's neglected neighbor," quoth she. 
''My name is Truth." 

MODESTY 

'Tis said Truth liveth in a well. Thy wanton pebbles 
angered her. 

EVERYWOMAN 

She angered me. She dared to scoff at "Love's King- 
dom." Dared to say that maidens' hearts were oft- 
times wrecked, seeking its treacherous shores. 

MODESTY 

They say that Truth is a famous fortune-teller. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Why, yes. I have heard one hath but to peer into the 
fathoms of her well to see all manner of strange 
things. Oh! it will be fun! Come, let us consult 
with Truth. 



24 EVERYWOMAN 

YOUTH 

Alas ! I fear it may be too late. As we traveled, Beauty 
and I, across thy garden, we heard Truth complain 
that her well was dry. 

BEAUTY 

"There is no home for Truth, nowadays," she moaned. 
'T am an outcast." 

EVERYWOMAN 

Hist! I will tell ye a secret. Modesty, stop thine ears, 
for I vow it is scandal I am about to tell. 

YOUTH AND BEAUTY 

Yes ! Yes ! Go on ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Know ye not that Truth abides with Nobody? 

YOUTH 

How shocking! 

BEAUTY 

Let us then seek her in his abode. 

MODESTY 

Fie ! I'll not believe it. Oh ! Everywoman, abandon this 
\ mad pilgrimage in search of Love. It is more maid- 
i enly that thou shouldst await his coming. Stay home 

with me. If king he really be, and would make thee 

his queen, he will not fail to find thee. 



EVERYWOMAN 25 

EVERYWOMAN 

Silence! Thou hast prated enough. I love thee, Mod- 
esty, but if I am to be mated with a king, I know not 
if I shall have much need of thee. Youth, thou shalt 
be my guide. To the City we will go. 

MODESTY 

Thou wilt forsake thy Modesty? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Heaven forbid! Nay! 

{To Modesty) 
Thou shalt come, too, if thou art not afraid. We will 
seek within the playhouses. There Youth and Beauty 
will surely be welcome, and. Modesty, we will try to 
smuggle thee in with us. With such companions, 
Everywoman cannot fail to find King Love the First. 
Come, 

{leading the way) 
let us away. 

NOBODY 

{appears in their path to stop them. Holding up his 

hands, he cries) 
Pause, Everywoman ! Thou are rushing to thy fate. I 
alone can save thee. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Thou hast no power. Thou art Nobody. Let me pass. 

NOBODY 

Wait a while. 



26 EVERY WOMAN 

( Calls. ) 
Truth! Oh, Truth! Come hither! 
(Truth hobbles in at the zmndow. She is an ugly old 

•witch, on crutches, and she carries a whip with nine 

lashes. ) 

NOBpDY 

Speak, Truth. 

TRUTH 

Everywoman, thou hast Hstened to Flattery. Nobody 
can save thee ! Listen to Truth. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Art thou indeed Truth? I did not know thou were so 

old and ugly. 
On crutches, too ! Comes Truth with a nine-lashed whip ? 
What wouldst thou? Scourge me? 

TRUTH 

No. The lash of Truth is for self-inflicted torture. This 
crutch it were not necessary if Youth and Beauty 
would uphold Truth. 

{Girls sneer.) 

Listen ! Everywoman longs for Love. Love is born of 
Truth. 

I have a son ■ 

EVERYWOMAN 

A son, thou ! Is he a dwarf, then ? Misshapen ! crip- 
pled! The gnarled and crazy offspring of a witch? 



EVERYWOMAN 27 

Love is a king, godlike in his manly perfection. Be- 
gone ! When I have need of thee, I'll come to thee. 

■ ■ TRUTH 

iThou wilt come, and come alone. Flout Truth now, but 

\ beware the time when thou shalt seek Flattery in thy 

j mirror, and find only Truth. Flattery hath cajoled 

thee, fooled thee. 'Tis his whim to play upon Every- 

woman's lack of wisdom. Turn to thy mirror once 

more. 

{Vision of Flattery again appears in the mirror.) 

TRUTH 

See ! Flattery again smileth on thee. 

(EvERYWOMAN tums to mirfor.) 

FLATTERY 

(in mirror) 
Love awaits thee. Seek thy king. 

TRUTH 

Now, look at me. Thou canst not see me now. 

EVERYWOMAN 

(looking at Truth.) 
'Tis true. I hear her voice, but she has vanished. How 
strange ! 

truth 
!Not strange. Inevitable. When Flattery appeareth to 
Everywoman, 



28 EVERYWOMAN 

To her is Truth invisible. But Truth is strong, 
Patient, enduring and merciful, passing merciful, 
To those who, in their tribulations, turn to her. 
Truth is the only comfort of the world-weary. 
Truth hath spoken. Thou wilt hear her voice again. 
Pray, Everywoman, pray that it may not be too late. 

{at window) 
Everywoman — wilt come? 



Yes, yes, — I- 



EVERYWOMAN 

{hesitating) 



FLATTERY 



Love awaits thee. 



TRUTH 

{beckoning) 
Everywoman, wilt talk with Truth? 

EVERYWOMAN 

I hear thy voice — but I see thee not. 

TRUTH 

Youth, Beauty — who will follow Truth? 
{Exits by zvindow.) 

MODESTY 

I— I will 

{About to follow.) 



EVERYWOMAN 29 



BEAUTY 

{detaining Modesty) 
Be not so Polish. Truth is a witch — 



YOUTH 

{detaining Modesty) 
And most unpleasant at times. 

truth 
{outside) 
Who will follow Truth? Who loves Truth rather than 
Flattery ? 

NOBODY 

{sardonically) 
Nobody. 

{Exits after Truth.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Come, sweet companions. Wherefore should we heed 
the croaking of a witch? Flattery is shapely and 
well formed, 

{hozving to Flattery) 
what then of the King whom he serves? 

flattery 
King Love the First awaits thee. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Yes ! yes ! Then Everywoman goes in quest of Love. 
Youth, my daintiest gown lay out ; my most becoming 
hat. 



30 EVERYWOMAN 

(Youth goes up stairway.) 
Beauty, wilt thou prepare such tricks of toilet as may 
make me look my best? 

(Beauty goes up stairway.) 
Modesty, rob the garden for a nosegay. Nay? Then 
just one little flower for my hair. Quick! quick! 
The King awaits. 

(Modesty goes into garden.) 
(Truth enters at window; Love in yeoman's attire is 
with her.) 

TRUTH 

Behold, my son — thou seest Everywoman. 

LOVE 

(In an attitude of poetical worship and adoration) 
How fair she is — how beautiful beyond compare ! 

TRUTH 

She longs for Love and knoweth not he is at hand. 

LOVE 

Mother, as thou art all-powerful Truth, lift the veil that 

makes me invisible to her. Let her know that I am 

Love and that my kingdom, larger far than all the 

worlds that float through space, is in these arms. Let 

% me clasp Everywoman to my heart. 

TRUTH 

Thou canst not. 



EVERYWOMAN 31 

LOVE 

I do implore thee. Simple yeoman though I seem, with 
me would she find peace, content and happiness. 



TRUTH 

My son, unto Everywoman Love cannot reveal himself. 
She and she herself alone must find Love. 



LOVE 

And at last — will she be mine? 



TRUTH 

Wait, my son — wait with patience. Everywoman speaks ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Sir Flattery, wilt thou lead my soul, enraptured, 

Lead me to the place where Love is found ? 
Where his stronghold? How may he be captured? 

Stands his palace on enchanted ground ? 
By what token shall I recognize him ? 

Does he wait me with outstretched arms? 
Or perchance in slumber to surprise him, 

Will he awaken to a maiden's charms? 
See, I humbly bow my head before thee. 

Thank thee for the message thou dost bring. ^ 

Lead Everywoman rightly, I implore thee ; - * 

Lead her to Love — to Love the First, her King. 
{Kneels before Flattery in attitude of prayer.) 



32 EVERY WOMAN 

TRUTH 

Love, my son, see! At Flattery's feet she kneels. Thou 
art too late. She is lost. Everywoman who yields 
to Flattery is lost to thee, true Love. 

CURTAIN 



CANTICLE II 

Scene: The scene is a stage of a metrapolitan the- 

atre, in the forenoon. The scenery and 
effects are grouped about it in disorder. 
A large artificial rock stands in the cen- 
tre of the stage. 

Discovered : Nobody and Bluff ; latter at table writing. 

NOBODY 

Good friends, no doubt you are surprised to see, 
Within a modern city playhouse, me. 
It merely is a plan to show you here 
Another phase of Everywoman's career. 
Know ye, a special privilege this means? 
Few are allowed to peep behind the scenes, 
Tho' "all the world's a stage." Still, you must know 
You are not here to see a puppet show. 
This is rehearsal time. The actors, they 
Are now themselves, and not the parts they play. 
Their masks are off. Their faces free from paint. 
Yet oftentimes the sinner acts the saint. 
I pray you, judge between them. Mark them well. 
If you should fail — why — nobody will tell. 
{Exits.) 

35 



36 EVERYWOMAN 

(Stuff^ theatre manager, enters L.) 

STUFF 

(approaching with outstretched arms) 
Ah, Bluff, my brother manager, I give thee greeting. 

BLUFF 

And I, good Stuff, exceedingly rejoice to see my part- 
ner's face enwreathed in smiles. 

(They shake hands.) 

STUFF 

It hath not rained o' nights within a month. Our coffers 
are full to overflowing, our success assured. There- 
fore, let us cut down expenses. 

BLUFF 

'Tis well spoken. Thou hast rare managerial instinct, 
untrammeled by art. But where to begin? 

STUFF 

, We have engaged, at too high a price, a jade for leading 
j parts. Everywoman is costly. 

I BLUFF 

I But Everywoman is a star. 

I STUFF 

I Everywoman thinks she is. With thy aid, Bluff, she 
'* hath risen to some eminence. Without it 



EVERYWOMAN 37 

BLUFF 

Nay, Stuff. Although I will admit I have been of serv- 
ice to the wench, it is to a certain scribe, named Puff, 
that she owes her rapid rise. 

STUFF 

That fellow hath made more stars than there are in the 
heavens. Well, perhaps it were not safe to meddle 
with Everywoman. What about Ambition? 

BLUFF 

A clever actress she. 

STUFF 

Perhaps; but too earnest and too serious to be popular 
with a pleasure-loving public. Hast thou observed 
how thin she grows, and how ill clothed she is ? 

BLUFF 

True; she draws no patronage, and therefore little pay. 
To cut her salary would be like taking nothing from 
nothing. We might cheapen Conceit. 

STUFF 

Conceit ! He who is ever ready to play each actor's part 
on emergency, or otherwise? Nay. Conceit is use- 
ful in a theatre. Rather will we lop off such heads 
in the chorus as displease us. Where is thy list? 

BLUFF 

'Tis here. But let us first observe their paces. Then, at 
roll call, we may weed them out. 



38 EVERYWOMAN 

{Calls loudly) Lights, lights! 

Act One. Opening Chorus. 

(Bluff and Stuff stand R. and L. of stage. Chorus 
of girls, dressed in the typical costumes of conven- 
tional modern musical comedy, enter as they sing. 
Youth and Beauty are at each end of the line. 
Modesty is in the centre.) 



CHORUS 

Two and t\vo, at its cue, 
Come the chorus into view. 
Sly of eye, not too shy, 
All to win our favors try. 
Young and gay, bald and gray, 

Not a man but does adore us : 
Pays his toll, sells his soul, 

For the merry, merry chorus. 

We sing, tra-la! and hey-down-derry. 
We laugh, ha ! ha ! with lips like cherry. 
We dance, we prance, we seem so merry, 
But some, perchance, are not so very. 

We know not what is before us. 

For life is short in the chorus. 

{Dance, after which chorus stands in line.) 

bluff 
Ye will answer to your names. Flirt, Pert, Dimples, 
Shape, Curves, Smiles, Sly, Curls, Giggles, Youth, 
Beauty, Modesty. 



EVERY wo MAN 39 

{As Bluff calls, each of the girls responds, saying 

''Here'") 

(Modesty remains silent, looking doiun.) 

STUFF 

Modesty! Modesty! Where are thou? 

PERT 

(to Modesty)^ 
Be not afraid, you Httle silly. 

FLIRT 

(to Modesty) 
Give 'em a sly wink, thus. Go otfl 

BLUFF 

Speak up! Where is Modesty? 

(Flirt and Pert, laughingly, taking Modesty by the 
arms and pushing her toward C.) 

FLIRT AND PERT 

Here she is, good sirs. 

(Bluff and Stuff ^0 up to Modesty and critically ex- 
amine her through eyeglasses.) 

stuff 
\ Humph ! Methinks thou art a stranger here. How 
■ camest thou in the chorus ? 

^ modesty 

I (proudly) 

I I am the friend of Everywoman. 



40 EVERYWOMAN 

{Girls giggle.) 

BLUFF 

A friend of Everywoman ! A pretty qualification. I 
suppose she brought thee hither. Did she? 

MODESTY 

She did. 

STUFF 

What airs these stars give themselves ! 

BLUFF 

{to Modesty) 
Thou art pretty enough, but too prim, and out of place 
in the chorus. So get thee gone. 

modesty 
Nay, I pray thee ! Let me stay with Everywoman. 

STUFF 

What canst thou do ? Play boys, in hose and doublet ? 

modesty 
Alas! No! no! 

BLUFF 

Pose on thy toes, in ballet skirts and tights ? 

modesty 
I fear me not. 



EVERYWOMAN 41 

STUFF 

Perchance, thou canst elevate thy heels above thy head? 

MODESTY 

No, sirs; but I can sing very sweetly. 

BLUFF 

Sing! In the chorus? Bah! Absurd! 

STUFF 

{to girls) 
Doth anybody know this wench? 

YOUTH 

(stepping forward) 
May it please you, sirs, Modesty hath ever been my best 
companion. 

{Puts arm around Modesty.) 

BEAUTY 

; .{stepping forward) 

\ I, too, have cherished her. If she goes, I go with her. 

i {Puts her arm around Modesty) 

YOUTH 

I And I. 

BLUFF 

What's this ? Mutiny ! Your names ! Tell quickly ! 

YOUTH 

I am Youth. 



42 EVERY WOMAN 

BEAUTY 

And Beauty I. 

STUFF 

Youth and Beauty. Nay, but we must have ye, at least, 
in the chorus. We need ye, but not your rebeUious 
friend; so, perforce, We must rob ye of your com- 
panion. Dimples, Curves, Shape, all — away with 
Modesty ! 

(Bluff seizes Youth^ Stuff seizes Beauty. Chorus 
girls surround Modesty, and hustle her toward rock 
■i in centre of stage. When they again separate, Mod- 
l ESTY has vanished.) 

BLUFF 

{detaining Youth, who struggles and weeps) 

Nay, grieve not, little one, for the loss of thy prudish 

friend, and thou shalt on terrapin sup. Thou shalt 

sip sweet nectar with sages of the city, or with such 

:• gilded youths as would not brook that Modesty be 

" thy chaperon. 

STUFF 

{detaining Beauty, who struggles and zveeps) 
In mighty motor cars shalt thou dash through the mid- 
night air, more cosily than if Miss Modesty were by 
thy side. Come, dry thy tears, and join thy gayer 
companions. Flirt, take charge of Beauty. 



EVERYWOMAN 43 

BLUFF 

Pert, we commend Youth to thy keeping. Girls, keep 
Youth and Beauty with you, and you shall find favor 
with your managers. 

(Pert and Flirt take charge of Youth and Beauty. 
Chorus sings.) 

One by one, Beauty gone. 

Long forgotten, loved by none, 

Fading fast. Pleasures past. 

Goes the chorus home at last. 

(Exit Chorus, with Youth and Beauty.) 

BLUFF 

(calling) 
Principals! Where are our principals? 

STUFF 

Where, indeed ! 

BLUFF 

What ho! Time! Time! thou antiquated callboy! 

(Time enters slowly and solemnly.) 
Oh ! There thou art, old Father Time ! 

STUFF 

Time hath summoned all manner of mummers to enact 
strange scenes on the stage of life, and rung down 
many tragic curtains. 

BLUFF 

Yet all must obey his call. 



44 EVERYWOMAN 

{to Time) 
Go, find Ambition, arouse Passion, summon Every- 
, woman. Call Conceit. 

(Time exits. To Stuff) 
They say Time flies. This side of the footlights me- 
thinks he crawls. 

STUFF 

A plague upon our principals ! Passion is a sluggard 
before, high noon. Ambitioa is sick, and sleepeth. 
Conceit" lingereth in his dressing-room. Every- 
woman followeth her own whims, and snappeth het 
fingers at punctuality. Come, Bluff, let us to lunch. 

BLUFF 

Aye ! They starve who wait on stars, and I am hungry. 
Come. 

EVERYWOMAN 

{speaks outside L.) 
Wealth, bid the chauffeur wait. Stage door? Certainly 
not ! Am I not a star ? My Lord Witless, to thy 
care I confide Hanky-Panky. Thou knowest the say- 
ing, "Love me, love my dog." 

BLUFF 

(to Stuff) 
Here comes Everywoman, our star. 

stuff 
(to Bluff) 
Our star! Egad! She twinkleth not, but flashes upon 
one like an entire constellation. 



EVERYWOMAN 45 

EVERY wo MAN 

{outside) 
What sayest thou, Weahh? Thou wouldst see a stage, 
with all its gay trappings, exposed to the merciless 
light of day? Well, come along, then. It's against 
the rules, but Everywoman's delight is to break the 
laws of conventionality. 
(^Enters, richly attired in modern furs and zvraps. Her 

hair is dressed in the latest fashion.) 
(Wealth enters, smoking a big cigar. Witless enters, 
I carrying a Boston terrier. Conscience, Everywom- 
I AN^s handmaiden, enters, and stands aloof.) 

STUFF 

So, Everywoman, thou art here at last? 



EVERYWOMAN 

{flippantly) 
Hello, Stuf¥! Hello, Blufif! Conscience- 
{t liming) 



Where is my faithful handmaiden? Art a prey to stage 
fright, even at rehearsal time, little one? These are 
only managers. They'll not bite thee, girl. Here, 
take my gloves. 

{Gives gloves to Conscience.) 

STUFF 

I say, thou'rt here at last ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

At last ! In truth, I seem to be first. But if I am late • 



46 EVERYWOMAN 

STUFF 

Late ! Thou art always late. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Then call the rehearsal off. Another day will do. Con- 
science, my gloves again. 

'bluff 
{detaining her) 
Nay, stay! But who are these intruders whom thou 
bringest ? 

{to Witless) 
Young man, puppies are forbidden behind the scenes. 

STUFF 

{to Wealth) 
Smoking in theatres, by any but managers, is a heinous 
offence. 

EVERYWOMAN 

But these are friends of mine. 

bluff 
No matter. Outside the stage door alone may satellites 
dance attendance on a star. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Hist! Come hither. Bluff and Stuff. Dost thou not 
know Wealth ? The multi-millionaire ? The big one, 
he. Hast heard of Lord Witless, heir to a dukedom ? 
He fondles my dog. 



EVERYWOMAN 47 

BLUFF 

Is't really Wealth ? 

{dofUng hat) 

Welcome, Wealth, thrice welcome. Wouldst inspect our 

humble playhouse? It is entirely at thy disposal. 

STUFF 

{to Witless, doffing hat) 
My lord, prithee, make thyself at home. Shall I sum- 
mon the ladies of the chorus for thy distinguished 
entertainment ? 

WITLESS 

{with blase drawl) 
No, thanks. I have no desire to make Everywoman 
jealous. 

STUFF 

A noble sentiment. And still some scoff at birth and 
breeding, 

BLUFF 

{to Wealth) 
Thou wilt observe these are the wings. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Most interesting to a prospective angel. Eh, Bluff? 

STUFF 

{to Witless) 
The footlights, these. 



48 EVERYWOMAN 

EVERYWOMAN 

Whose fascinating glamor oft scorches the wings of fool 
ish young gadflies. So beware. 





WEALTH 




{up C.) 


What's this? 






BLUFF 


A rock. 






WEALTH 




(tapping rock) 


Hollow, egad! 





BLUFF 

Take care, Wealth ! Touch nothing on the stage, or 
thou wilt soil thy hands. 

EVERYWOMAN 

(aside to Bluff) 
\ More likely the touch of Wealth should soil the stage. 

WITLESS 

I'd no idea it was so beastly dingy behind the scenes. 

EVERYWOMAN 

But thou hast only looked on the gilt and tinsel of life's 
stage. 

WEALTH 

No carpet on the floor ! It is not meet that Every woman 
should drag her dainty garments through such dirt. 



EVERYWOMAN 49 

EVERYWOMAN 

She must. That is the penalty an actress invariably pays. 

WEALTH 

But I, Wealth, would pave thy path with roses. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Like those made by pale-faced factory girls. 

BLUFF 

But, sire, when the play begins all here is elegance and 
brilliancy. 

STUFF 

We pride ourselves upon our lavish Mise-en-scene. 

WEALTH 

What's that ? 

EVERYWOMAN 

I The unreal glare and glitter which puts even sunshine to 
\ shame. The shams so cunningly devised that nature 
is outdone. But, there, Wealth and Witless, it is not 
meet that thou shouldst learn all the tricks — see the 
pitifully mean surroundings midst which Every- 
woman must earn her daily bread, much as it is be- 
hind the curtain of everyday life. Get ye gone ! 

WEALTH 

Wealth is at Everywoman's command. 
{Bowing and going.) 



50 EVERYWOMAN 

WITLESS 

Witless obeys Everywoman. 

{Going.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Oh, Wealth ! To-night I entertain. Wilt sup with me ? 

WEALTH 

Right heartily, if thou but promise that I shall foot the 
bill. 

EVERYWOMAN 

And thou, my Lord Witless? 

WITLESS 

Charmed! charmed! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Bluff and Stuff, escort my friends to the door, 
(Bluff and Stuff how Wealth and Witless off L.) 

STUFF 

This way, my Lord ! 

BLUFF 

The exit is ill lighted and awkwardly designed. Have a 
care. Wealth, lest thou fall. 

(Wealth and Witless exit.) 

STUFF 

{aside to Bluff) 
If he but fall for our designs. Heaven help him, for he 
will speedily become 



What? 



An angel. 



EVERYWOMAN 51 

BLUFF 
STUFF 

{Both exit.) 



EVERYWOMAN 

Conscience ! Oh ! there thou art, Conscience. Hie thee 
to my dressing-room. 'Tis stuffy, and unfit for habi- 
tation. Bring my toilet table here. I fain would 
beautify myself, for who can tell— he, the King whom 
I seek, may come to-day. Send Youth and Beauty 
to me. 

(Conscience exits, R.) 
In truth, it seemeth folly thus to daily leave the sunshine 
of life for the mockery of this dingy stage. To 
nightly pander to the throngs, who, for the most part, 
lack hearts to sympathize or brains to understand. 
Still, they have made of me a star — lifted me into a 
fool's paradise. 

(Enter Youth and Beauty.) 
Ah ! — my Youth and Beauty ! But in tears ! Why, 
what's the matter, sweet companions mine? Time 
hath not dealt harshly with ye ! What is it, then ? 
Have Bluff and Stuff dared offer slight to Youth 
and Beauty? 



52 EVERYWOMAN 

YOUTH 

I They have robbed us of Modesty. 

f BEAUTY 

\ Spirited her away. 

I EVERYWOMAN 

I Is it really true that Modesty, 
* Our sweet companion, hath been banished hence? 
How went she, then, and whither? 

I YOUTH 

*: That, alas ! we know not. 

BEAUTY 

As we pleaded in defence of her, 

Our wrists, our forms, were seized by iron hands. 

YOUTH 

Rude arms encircled our waists, and when again 
Our freedom came, we looked in vain for Modesty, 

EVERYWOMAN 

Not fitted even for a chorus girl ! 

Why do the good and true play such small parts 

Upon the stage of life? I am a star. 

Success hath crowned my efforts in the art 

Which I have chosen. Fame is mine, and yet — 

Love's yet unfound. Oh ! Beauty, Youth, 

Companions sweet, who still are with me, bring, 

I pray ye, bring at once the mighty monarch 

Whom I seek. Everywoman must and will find Love. 



EVERYWOMAN 53 

YOUTH 

Hast seen the actor, Passion? Hast noted how 

He gazes on thee? 

I 

I EVERYWOMAN 

I Yes ! 

YOUTH 

It may be him thou seekest ? 

EVERYWOMAN 

True. Why, then, 
My quest is o'er. Well favored, is he not ? 
He bears himself right royally. He sings divinely. 

YOUTH 

i That's true. But 'tis for thee to judge. Hast felt 
( Embarrassment in his presence? 

/ 

' EVERYWOMAN 

j Why, yes. My heart 

; Leaps upward at his voice. His lightest touch 
I Awakens strange emotions — longings, yearnings, 
1 Hitherto unknown. Comes Love like that? 
(Modesty,, chained and imprisoned, is dimly seen, like a 
vision, within rock, C.) 

modesty 
No, Everywoman, no! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Hark! Modesty speaketh. 



54 EVERYWOMAN 

MODESTY 

Beware of Passion. Passion is not Love. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Sweet Modesty ! Then thou art near us still ? 

MODESTY 

Aye, while thou wilt. Though fettered and imprisoned, 
Banished by man, still shalt thou hear my voice. 
Oh, Everywoman, till thou thyself shalt say, 
Begone ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

{petulantly) 
Why art thou hidden? Why and where? 
Was I not ever wishful of thy company? 
Did I not hold thy judgment in respect? 
Didst not advise me in the matter of dress, 
Which is n^^"Q':.t to the heart of Everywoman? 
Why pi?- hide and seek, when I would fain 
Consult tlice on my costume for our next play? 
If in trull: thou watchest over me, tell me how 
Likest thou this ? 

{Throws off wrap, and appears in modern ballroom at- 
tire, decollete, and in the latest and most daring fash- 
ion, brilliantly bedecked ivith diamonds. Vision of 

' Modesty fades away. Youth and Beauty take 
EvERYWOMAN^s hat and wraps, murmuring admira- 
tion as she poses. Conscience enters with table, 
mirror, etc.) 



EVERY WOMAN 55 

BEAUTY 

It is ravishingly beautiful. 

YOUTH 

And so, in truth, art thou, O Everywoman ! 

EVER YWO MAN 

Yet Modesty is silent. 

(To Youth) 
These to my dressing-room take. 
There thou'lt find rare flowers which Wealth hath sent 

me, 
And sweetmeats, too, from my Lord Witless. 

youth 

(to Beauty) 

We 

Are but young and pretty, still many pay us homage; 

She is a star, therefore all men worship her. 

(Exeunt Youth and Beauty.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Men worship me ! Yes, mere men. But Love, my King, 
where is he? 

(Sitting at toilet-table, to Conscience :) 
See to my hair, wench. The wind hath ruffled it. 
Canst sing to me? They say that Conscience hath 
A still, small voice, but oft 'tis wondrous sweet. 
Sing to me of a little star, a star 
That wanders through the night in search of Love. 



56 EVERYWOMAN 

CONSCIENCE 

{sings) 
A little star crept out one night, 
And wondered at the full moon's light. 
With fear it twinkled, at first, but soon 
It grew as bold as the great big moon ; 
For not a cloud was in the sky. 

And as it shone down from afar, 
The heavens seemed to magnify 

The light of that little star. 

The little star looked down on Earth, 

Rejoicing in its heavenly birth. 

"Ye mortals," she cried, "now bend the knee. 

I bid ye bow, and worship me. 

For I am Queen of the realms above." 

And as it twinkled from afar. 
E'en little children learned to love 

The light of that little star. 

The little star, at dawn of day. 
Slowly began to fade away; 
Its life of glory just begun. 
It died beneath the blazing sun. 
But if a star a soul enshrines, 

Through Heaven's gate, ajar, 
Seeking there for Love, still shines 

The light of that little star. 

EVERYWOMAN 

There, that will do. Take these away. Await my call. 



EVERYWOMAN 57 

(Conscience exits.) 
Oh ! I am weary of this search for Love ! 
What said his courtier, Flattery ? Yes. He said 
"He comes incognito." Why, then, perchance 
He wears a mask. I have observed 'tis thus 
With Passion, the play actor. Never have I yet 
The actual features of his face observed. 

PASSION 

(speaks outside) 
Now shall the unstemmed torrent of my desire 
Burst from its banks in floods of love and fire. 

EVERYWOMAN 

'Tis he — Passion! How is it that I tremble when he 
comes nigh? My cloak — I would I had retained it. 
Not that I am cold. I burn. I will hide. 
(Tries to slip behind the rock.) 

(Passion enters. He is a conventional actor, of iirie 
physique. His voice is szveet and sednctiz'e, his ac- 
tions suggestive of suppressed strength. He wears a 
highwayman' s mask.) 

PASSION 

Everywoman, come forth ! Why hide 
At the approach of Passion? 

EVERYWOMAN 

(timidly) 
Art thou indeed King Love? 



58 EVERYWOMAN 

PASSION 

It is for thee 
To find thy King. Dost know Love's voice — Love's lan- 
guage ? 
How to maidens, when in sweet repose, 
He Cometh? On yonder rock recHne while I 
My song rehearse. 

{Leading Everywoman to rock.)] 



EVERYWOMAN 

Thou'rt sure, good sir, that this 
Is but rehearsing? 



PASSION 

Rehearsing, 'tis, in truth, 

And practice perfect makes the love-sick youth. 

(Everywoman reclines at foot of the rock, centre. 

Modesty^ aj. a vision, is dimly seen within the rock, 
sheltering Everywoman with outstretched arms.) 
(Passion sings.) 
The sun smiles on the virgin snow 

So tenderly and true. 
Each jElake, beneath his loving glow. 

Becomes a drop of dew. 
The bee from flower the honey sips; 

They meet in rapture mute. 
He steals the nectar from her lips. 

But leaves the luscious fruit. 



EVERYWOMAN 59 

Be I the sun, the snowflake thou. 

The dew a joyful tear; 
Be thou the flower, and I the bee, 

Thy love the honey clear. 
Come, let me fold thee in these arms. 

In ecstasy of bliss. 
Until thy heart, thy soul, thy charms. 

Shall melt in one sweet kiss. 
{On his knees, at the foot of the rock, to which Mod- 
\ ESTY is hound, Passion stoops and kisses Every- 

WOMAN.) 

EVERY WO MAN 

{dreamily, zmth her arms around Passion) 
Art thou, in truth, my King? 

passion 
I am thy King. 
Thou art the Queen of Love. 

EVERY wo MAN 

Ah! Found at last! 
At last the arms of Love encircle me. 
And freely thus doth Everywoman yield 
The tribute of her womanhood. 

{Kisses Passion.) 
Oh ! 'tis sweet 
To hear the voice of Flattery. To be acclaimed 
A victor in the wars which women wage. 
I Sweet are a woman's triumphs ! But how sweet, 
j How doubly sweet, when she is vanquished ! When 



6o EVERYWOMAN 

She surrenders to the power, the prowess, the invincible 

force, 
The noble strength of Love, the conqueror ! Love, I am 

thine ! 

{Kisses him.) 

MODESTY 

Everywoman, fare thee well! 

PASSION 

Some intruder. Didst thou not hear? 

(Vision of Modesty disappears.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

'Tis Modesty. 

Modesty again warns me. And as she sighs 
"Farewell," there burns on my lips Passion's kisses. 
Kisses I craved. Ye gods ! I had forgotten Modesty ! 

passion 
Nay, heed her not. 

(Seeking to embrace her.) 

everywoman 
Away! I doubt thee. Fear thee, now. 
Art honest? Then why wearest thou a mask? 
Show me thy face. Thou'lt not? Thus then I tear 
Thy mask away. 
A (Tears mask from Passion's face.) 

I Passion, I know thee, now. 
Thou art not Love, the King. Thou art a vile 




Canticle II — "Passion, I know thee now. Thou art not Love, the King: 



EVERYWOMAN 6i 

And hideous thing, decked out to "strut and fret 
Thine hour upon the stage," and pose and prate, 
And when thy part is played, thy mischief done, 
To vanish, and be seen no more. Away ! 
Begone ! 

(Passion cringes off.) 
Thus the stain of Passion's kiss 

Shall Everywoman suffer when Modesty hath left her. 
O Love! True Love! Pure Love! 
The King of Kings ! The soul's sweet starlight ! 
Strength of the weak! Salvation of the doomed! 
The God of Everywoman! Come to me! Save me! 
(On knees.) 
(Conscience enters.) 
Ah, Conscience! Conscience, comfort me. 

(Conscience leans tenderly over her.) 

CURTAIN 



CANTICLE III 

Scene: Everywoman's apartments in the city. 

Night. Windows at back, heavily cur- 
tained. A crimson glow from electric 
lights, only dimly burning. A large sup- 
per table set at centre. Many bottles of 
wine on table. Chairs arranged around 
table. At right a large mirror. At left 
a couch. Several reclining chairs. Lux- 
urious furniture. 

Discovered : Grovel^ in butler's livery, snoozes in arm- 
chair. Sneak, in footman's livery, helps 
himself to wine. Nobody discovered in 
C. of stage. 

NOBODY 

In Everywoman's boudoir, now awaiting her; 
Her servitors are secretly berating her. 
(Clock strikes twelve.) 
Behold! 'Tis midnight. Thousands have applauded her. 
The homage of a new-found star accord her. 
She sups when others sleep. In gay society, 
Selected more by chance than with propriety, 
She still seeks Love. Absurd infatuation. 
Which looks for Love 'mid scenes of dissipation. 

65 



66 EVERYWOMAN 

When Modesty is lost, and sense of duty flies, 
Shall Everywoman weep; for then her beauty dies. 

{Exit.) 
{The chug-chug of an automobile is heard outside. 

Grovel wakes, and squirms to the door. Sneak 

turns up the lights.) 

{The rattle of an automobile outside is followed by peals 
of merry laughter. Grovel and Sneak throw open 
the doors and bow lozv.) 

(Everywoman enters on the arm of Wealth. She is 
in automobile costume. Her arms are filled with bou- 
quets and floral tributes. She laughs loudly.) 

(Youth and Beauty, similarly clad, follow, with Age, 
whom Youth has in leading-strings, and Witless, 
who has his arm around Beauty. She looks pale, 
and walks wearily.) 

(Bluff^ Stuff and Puff, ziith Self, Greed and Van- 
ity, follow in their wake. The latter three are 
women. All are in evening dress, the men having fur 
coats, automobile caps and goggles; the women, 
wraps and veils.) 

(Conscience, Everywoman's maid, enters, and stands 
in the background.) 

everywoman 
My friends, I bid ye welcome to my home. Grovel and 
Sneak, see to these gentlemen. Conscience, remove 
my wraps. Ladies, I would not submit ye to the min- 



EVERYWOMAN 67 

, istrations of so clumsy a maid as mine. I doubt not 
Puff and Stuff and Bluff will aid ye in disrobing. 

{To Conscience.) 
There, girl, get thee gone ! 

(Conscience courtesies and exits.) 

\ wealth 
{He is obese and bloated. His head is bald. His nose 
big and bulbous. His eyes glare greedily. His voice 
is loud, his manner insolent. On his bosom big dia- 
monds sparkle. He keeps his hands thrust in his 
pockets.) 

Egad ! Thou'rt lucky, Everywoman, to have trained thy 
handmaiden. Conscience, so that she obeys so readily 
and vanishes so gracefully. 

everywoman 
Ah ! Wealth, thou dost not know the jade hath company 
manners. When we are alone 'tis she who orders, I 
who serve. But let us be merry. Why, Youth! 
{laughing) 
Ha! ha! Wealth, doest observe Youth? She hath old 
Age in leading-strings ! That's right, girl. Make 
him dance a fling. 'Tis right thou shouldst have thy 
fling. Whirl him around faster! So! Ha! ha! 
(Youth szvings Age around, while the rest laugh bois- 
terously.) 

Age 
Thou madcap! 



68 EVERY WOMAN 

{Panting.) 
Thou wilt be the death o' me. And yet, wilt love me, 
and I'll dance at mine own funeral. 
' (Sinks exhausted into chair.) 

EVERY wo MAN 

Youth, ply him with wine. But where is Beauty? My 
Lord Witless, what aileth her? 

WITLESS 

(a vapid, lisping boy) 
I fear me this is a little too late for Beauty. Her cheek 

is pale, and she feeleth faint. 
(He is fanning Beauty, who reclines on a couch at left 
of stage.) 

every wo MAN 

Poor tired child! 

(Gets wine and goes to Beauty.) 
Drink this. 

self 

(aside to Vanity) 

An artful minx, that Beauty. What sayest thou, Vanity? 

VANITY 

(aside to Self) 
She faint, forsooth ! But a faint for effect. Eh, Greed ? 

greed 
(to Self and Vanity) 
A trap to catch the men, my dears. Self, I have seen 
thee work it better. 



EVERYWOMAN 69 

EVERYWOMAN 

{to Beauty) 

Art better now? 

(Beauty smiles wearily. Bluff, Stuff and Puff con- 
verse apart.) 

bluff 
I tell thee, Stuff, she hath the handling of his purse- 
strings. Everywoman can win wealth, if she will. 

stuff 

Tis truly said. But how does that help us? We seek 
an angel, and I fear me he may not entirely fit the 
part. 

puff 

Angel! Nay, 'tis Ananias thou needest. Now, seest 
thou. This feast, I, Puff, the Press Agent will so 
decorate with frills of imagination that in the public 
writings it shall appear that monkeys sat at her 
board. 

BLUFF 

That's why we brought thee hither. 

PUFF 

That from her pie came forth nude dancing girls. Then 
shall people flock to see the woman who thus enter- 
tains Wealth and Witless. 

STUFF 

Thou art indeed the Prince of Liars, Puff. 
{Shakes his hand.) 



70 EVERYWOMAN 

EVERYWOMAN 

{to Beauty) 
There, rest thou there a while. 

{Aloud) 
My friends, the feast awaits us. 

(Grovel and Sneak place dishes on the table.') 

EVERYWOMAN 

Bluff, wilt thou with Self be seated? Stuff, I give thee 
Greed for companion. Puff, with Vanity as thy mate, 
thou shouldst be happy. Age still clings to Youth. 
Wealth, wilt sit by me? 

WEALTH 

{not heeding) 
Witless, give me the fan. I'll tend on Beauty. 

WITLESS 

Nay ! Mine be the happy task. 

EVERYWOMAN 

How now? Am I, then, to sup alone? Is Beauty, ill 

though she be, more attractive than I ? I am thy 

host, and I command Wealth and Witless to sit on 

either side of me. Conscience shall tend on Beauty. 

{Touches hell. Conscience enters.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Conscience, the child is sick. I commend her to thy care. 



EVERY wo MAN 71 

CONSCIENCE 

{Kneels at Beauty's couch. The rest pair off, and sit at 

table. Grovel and Sneak open wine, Ull glasses, etc. 

EvERYWOMAN and her guests eat, drink, and make 

■ merry. Amid the popping of corks and the laughter 

of the revelers Conscience sings at Beauty's couch.) 

(Sings) 
A flower was born in a garden fair. 

Sing hey ! Sing ho ! Ninny-nonny, 
She sported free, and the morning air 
Loved to steal a kiss of her perfume rare. 

Sing hey ! Sing ho ! For my bonny. 
But one there came at the noontide hour ; 

Sing hey ! Sing ho ! Lack-a-day-dee ! 
He marked her beauty, he sought her bower 
Beneath the spell of her wondrous power. 
In a wanton whim, culled the pretty flower. 

Sing weep ! Sing woe ! For my Ladye. 

EVERYWOMAN 

(speaking through symphony between verses) 
Wealth, I VOW Everywoman finds thee excellent com- 
pany. 
More wine for my Lord Witless. How fares sweet 
Youth? 

YOUTH 

Canst thou ask? I have found candies. I am supremely 
happy. 



•72 . EVERYWOMAN 

CONSCIENCE 

(sings) 
From garden fair she was torn away. 

Sing hey ! Sing ho ! Ninny-nonny ! 
She hid, they say, in a gay bouquet; 
She pined in vain for the hght of day. 

Sing hey ! Sing ho ! for my bonny. 
Her freshness gone, and her perfume fled. 

Sing hey ! Sing ho ! Lack-a-day-dee ! 
Her petals- fall, and she droops her head; 
She seeks, in sorrow, her simple bed; 
At the dawn of the day she is cold and dead. 

Sing weep ! Sing woe ! for my Ladye. 



PUFF 

I'll give thee a toast. 

(Every WOMAN and guests hammer table and applaud.) 

Here is to Youth — whom all men long to keep ! 

Here is to Age — to whom we all must creep! 
jHere is to Wealth — a man's best friend, 'tis said! 
.'Here is to Greed — by whom we all are led! 

Here is to Bluff — with whom we seek to win! 

Here is to Vanity — we are all her kin ! 

Here is to Self — the one we love the most ! 
; And here is to Everywoman — our best-loved host. 
' {All rise and drink.) 



OMNES 

Everywoman ! 



EVERYWOMAN 73 

EVERYWOMAN 

I thank thee, for myself and for my merry companions. 
I would fain be more courteous to my guests, but it 
groweth late, and Everywoman hath a mission yet 
unfulfilled. 

{Rising) 

Shall we adjourn? 

OMNES 

No ! no ! etc. ! 

WEALTH 

{taking Bluff aside) 
I prithee tell me, Bluff, what is the secret mission in 
which Everywoman engages? 

BLUFE 

She seeketh Love. 

WEALTH 

Seeketh Love, thou sayest ? Well, I will buy the bauble 
and bestow it on her. Is it a costly thing? 

\ BLUFF 

fl have been told it is beyond all price. 

WEALTH 

Bah! Wealth can buy anything. Ho, Youth! Come 
hither ! Tell me, what is this Love that Everywoman 
seeketh ? 



74 EVERYWOMAN 

YOUTH 

Love is a King. 

WEALTH! 

Well, I'll buy him. 

. YOUTH 

Kings may not be bought. 

WEALTH 

Ho ! ho ! That is but the opinion of Youth. 

{To Stuff) 
Hist! Stuff! How can I get this thing called Love? 

STUFF 

Thou canst not get Love — 

{after extending hand) 
not so long as thou keepest thine hands in thy pockets. 

WEALTH 

That is my custom — when thy hands are near me 

Ha ! There is Age ! He hath much wisdom, thougic* 
■ ' little wit. Age, a word in thine ear. 

AGE 

[What dost thou say? Speak louder. 'Tis said that 
money talks, yet Wealth speaks in a whisper to most 
\ men. 

WEALTH 

Thou knowest what Love is? 



EVERYWOMAN 75 

AGE 

Aye ! Once on a time I did. But, alas ! nowadays Love 
is dead. 

WEALTH 

{aside) 
Love dead ! And Everywoman knov^s it not. Methinks 
I have an estimable idea. I, Wealth, v^ill pose as 
Love, assume his title, take his name, and Every- 
woman will surely consent to be mine. 

EVERYWOMAN 

{coming forward) 
Come, friends, a parting drink. 
{All take glasses noisily. Grovel and Sneak Ull them.) 

WITLESS 

{intoxicated) 
Aye ! A bumper ! And I will sing a song. 

EVERYWOMAN 

{laughing) 
Boy, thou hast drunk from Circe's cup. 

AGE 

This wine makes old blood warm. 

{Throws kiss to Everywoman) 

EVERYWOMAN 

And thou hast vinegar in thy veins. 
{All laugh.) 



76 EVERYWOMAN 

BLUFF 

I VOW this nectar makes our star shine brighter. 

EVERYWOMAN 

But dawn approaches, when all stars must cease to 

shine. 
Come, drink again, and then, I pray you all, begone. 

STUFF 

Not till we have crowned thee Queen of the Revels. 

BLUFF 

Everywoman is some man's queen. 

PUFF 

Everywoman is worthy of a throne. 

WEALTH 

Here, 'mid the fragments of a feast, will we enthrone 
her. 

{Places chair on centre of table.) 

OMNES 

Bravo ! Bravo ! 

{They seise Everywoman.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Nay ! I protest ! In furtherance of your own whims and 
conceits, ye handle Everywoman roughly. How wine 
staineth a man's ill-fitting garb of chivalry ! Ye in- 
sist? Well, then, I'll mount my throne unaided. 
{Gets on table.) 



EVERYWOMAN '^y 

Behold your Queen ! Men, ye shall bow down and wor- 
ship Everywoman. Women, ye shall do her homage 
outwardly, though your souls be consumed with envy. 

{Men kneel and women bow before Everywoman.) 

OMNES 

Long live Everywoman! 

EVERYWOMAN 

My faithful subjects, I bid ye arise. 

OMNES 

{rising) 
A song! A song! A scene! A story! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Of what shall I speak? 

WEALTH 

We beseech your gracious majesty, tell of the King, thy 
consort. 

EVERYWOMAN 

I have no consort, still of a king I'll tell — King of the 
Revels. 

OMNES 

His name ! His name ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Nay, that is a riddle for ye to guess. Who is it laughs 
when others weep ? Listen ! 

{Recites to music) 



78 EVERYWOMAN 

The miser, he hides all his gold away, 
But do as he will, it grows less each day, 
Though its hiding-place nobody knows but his wife. 
Then who is it laughs at the strife ? Ho ! ho ! 

OMNES 

Be-elzebub ? 



EVERYWOMAlSr 

Be-elzebub ! 

OMNES 

Be-elzebub ! Ha ! ha ! Ho ! ho ! 

CONSCIENCE 

{singing over Beauty's couch) 
Sing hey! Sing ho! Ninny-nonny! 

EVERYWOMAN 

The knight takes leave of his ladye love ; 

On the field of death he will kiss her glove. 

But the squire with her lily-white hand makes free. 

Then who is it chuckles in glee ? Ho ! ho ! 

OMNES 

Be-ezlebub ? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Be-ezlebub ! 

OMNES 

Be-ezlebub ! Ha ! ha ! Ho ! ho I 



EVERYWOMAN 79 

CONSCIENCE 

Her freshness gone, and her perfume fled, 
Her petals fall, and she droops her head; 
At the dawn of day she is cold and dead. 
Sing weep ! Sing woe ! for my Ladye ! 

{While Conscience sings her last stanza all stand stock- 
still, the hilarity horn of zvine, and fostered by Ev- 
ERYwoMAN^s song, slowly fading from their faces. 
EvERYWOMAN sinks to her knees on the table and 
buries her face in her hands. The clock strikes five.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

{raising her head, her face pale, her hair disordered) 
Conscience ! Oh, Conscience ! Why wilt thou not sleep, 
Save such time as thy mistress doth? My friends, 
If friends ye be, I pray you, leave me now. 
The Queen of the Revel must submit herself 
To the ministrations of her wakeful handmaiden. 
Youth, assist me. 

{Descends from table.) 

BLUFF 

{to Stuff) 
A troublesome wench, that Conscience. 

STUFF 

{to Bluff) 
Reminds me of my wife, who, even now, 
I fear me, sitteth up for me. 



8o EVERYWOMAN 

EVERY wo MAN 

Youth, let me lean 
On thee. Why, little one, 

Thy footsteps are unsteady? Too bad! too bad! 
I fear that Everywoman treateth her Youth unfairly. 
There, sit thee down and rest. Conscience, do thou 
Attend on Youth. 

{To guests) 
Good-night ! Good-night to all ! 

(Bluff, Stuff, Puff, Age and Witless, each in turn 
kiss Everywoman's hand. Self, Greed and Vanity 
bow.) 

(All guests exit, except Wealth, who remains at the 
hack, unnoticed, glaring unsteadily at Everywoman.) 

(Youth, in easy-chair, sinks to sleep.) 

everywoman 
At last I am alone with Youth and Beauty. 
Conscience, strip from my back these tawdry trappings. 
Help me disrobe. Nay, bring me first the gown 
Of purity I wore when first I set me out 
Upon my pilgrimage in search of Love. 

(Conscience exits.) 
Oh, Love ! My King ! Still hidden from my view. 
Where are thou? What thy name? 

WEALTH 

{coming down) 
His name is Wealth. 



EVERYWOMAN 8i 

EVERYWOMAN 

Thou here? Begone! How darest thou thus intrude? 



WEALTH 

Thou seekest Love. Behold, I am thy King. 
Thy quest is o'er. Dost thou not know 'tis Wealth 
That Everywoman seeks? Here at thy feet 
I offer priceless gifts. 

{He kneels.) -. 



EVERYWOMAN 

Gifts, sayest thou? Gifts 
From Love? That's strange. Methought the King, 

when found 
Would stand erect, in noble attitude. 
Nor talk of gifts, nor pay a price, nor buy me. 
But command subjection to his will. 
I prithee rise, and if, by such strange means, 
Thou canst prove that Love and Wealth are one, 
I'll hear recital of thine offering. 



WEALTH 

(rising) 
A palace in Fifth Avenue ; a yacht ; 
A Newport cottage; a baronial hall 
In England; horses, autos, diamonds, gems 
To shame an Eastern potentate. From Paris, 
Gowns. Pearls from the Orient. A box 
Each season at the opera 



82 EVERYWOMAN 

EVERYWOMAN 

And is it Love 
That proffers all these things ? I have been told 
His Majesty ate cottage fare, and lived 
On bread and cheese and kisses. Oh! Well, tell. 
If Love in truth thou art, wouldst be my sole 
Companion when Youth and Beauty fled ? 
Wouldst walk contentedly with me when Time 
Our tottering footsteps led toward the grave? 
Answer ia truth. 

WEALTH 

Egad! If that be thy whim, 
,1 fain must tell thee, Everywoman, that Wealth 
I Would wish thine attendant graces, Youth and Beauty, 
'• To remain with thee. 

EVERYWOMAN 

But in thy palace, on 
Thy yacht? Just thou and I alone? 

WEALTH 

Well, yes. 
Alone — save that thy Youth and Beauty be 
Not banished. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Morn, noon and night with Love — with thee. 

WEALTH 

With Love — with me. None else — save Youth and 
Beauty, 



EVERYWOMAN 83 

EVERYVVOMAN 

And when they leave Everywoman, when Time beckons, 
And they depart, as at Time's call they must? 

WEALTH 

Depart ! Then would I seek them once again, 

And, with such arts as Wealth is master of, 

Decoy them back. For, truth to tell, both Youth 

And Beauty have ever been favorites in the kingly Court 

of Love. 

! 

EVERYWOMAN 

i Ah ! Now thy mask is off ; I know thee, Wealth. 
' Thou'rt not a King. Thou hast no throne to offer. 
Thou'rt but a Sultan vile, who, with rich gifts, 
Wouldst Everywoman, and Youth, and Beauty, and all 

such 
As pleased thee for a little while, withal. 
Lure into slavery within thine harem. Ha! Wretch! 
Brute ! 

WEALTH 

A vixen! Well, I'll plead my suit with Youth. 

EVERYWOMAN 

She sleeps. 

WEALTH 

Then Beauty will not flout me. 

EVERYWOMAN 

She 

Is sick. Begone! 



84 EVERYWOMAN 

( Calling) 
What ho! My servants! Conscience! 

(Grovel, Sneak and Conscience enter.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Show Wealth the door. Open the windows wide. 
Give us the Hght of day. Let Heaven's breath 
Dispel this foul and irksome atmosphere. 
(Grovel and Sneak open zvindows. Daylight streams 

in, falling on Beauty.) 
I hate thee,- Wealth ! I hate thee ! Get thee gone ! 
I hate myself. I hate the mockery, the shame 
Of such a hfe as this. Love liveth not here. 
Youth ! Sweet Youth, awaken ! Thou and I 
And Beauty will go hence. Go back to Truth. 
The witch, the fortune-teller, will lead us aright. 
Beauty, my Beauty, I will nurse thee, tend thee well. 
{Going toward Beauty.) 

conscience 
{stopping Everywoman) 
Too late, too late ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

What meanest thou? 

CONSCIENCE 

Alas ! that Conscience 
Must tell thee terrible tidings. Beauty is lost 
To thee forever, 



EVERYWOMAN 85 

EVERYWOMAN 

Beauty lost? 

CONSCIENCE 

She's dead. 

(Youth faints in arms of Conscience.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

{horrified) 
Dead ! Dead ! 

(Rushes to Beauty's couch and kisses her.) 
Lips cold ! My Beauty gone ! Ah ! No ! 
It cannot be true ! 

CONSCIENCE 

Observe thy mirror, where Flattery was wont 
To dwell. 

EVERYWOMAN 

(Staggers across to mirror and gases in horror^ 
(Truth is seen in the mirror.) 
That is not I — that hideous face! 
(To mirror) 
I know thee ! Thou art Truth — ^beloved by Nobody. 
Back to thy well, thou witch, and drown thyself 
In water! 

(Hurls bottle at mirror.) 
Wine for me. For Everywoman. 
Wealth is still with her. Wine for Wealth. 
(To Wealth) 



86 EVERYWOMAN 

iWilt dance? 

See! Everywoman leads Wealth a merry dance. 

{Takes Wealth's hand. Both sing loudly and dance 

wildly. ) 
Be-elzebub! Be-elzebub! Be-elzebub! Ha! ha! Ho! 
ho! 

CURTAIN 



CANTICLE IV 

Scene: A street. At R. C. a fashionable supper 

establishment, with imposing entrance, 
and gaily illuminated windows, with 
shades down. The street branches off 
up left, a portion of a church being just 
visible. Moonlight. Snow falls at inter- 
vals. 

Time: New Year's Eve. Broadway crowd effect 

and musical medley. 

Nobody enters after crozud has gradually 
gone off. 

NOBODY 

Ha ! ha ! Ho ! ho ! This is the Gay White Way, 
With good intentions paved, the poets say. 
"A little street in Heaven," so they tell. 
Trust Nobody. It leads direct to Hell. 
Here Everywoman, mayhap every man. 
Seeks solace or excitement. Futile plan. 
Poor foolish mortals ! Little do they know- 
Here Nobody is happy. Ha ! ha ! Ho ! ho ! 
I, Nobody, must your forgiveness pray 
For showing decent folk the Gay White Way, 
Where all is artificial: Love a sham, 

89 



90 EVERYWOMAN 

Wisdom a wolf, and honesty a lamb. 

But still, while I your pardon humbly ask, 

Please recollect, mine is the unthankful task 

To bare the pitfalls, and the folly prove. 

When Everywoman goes in search of Love. 

I stay too long. All hours of day or night, 

On Gay White Way, 'tis rarely I'm in sight. 

And here comes Vice. Nobody recognizes 

The jade, who hath a million of disguises ; 

Close in her wake are fools, a motley crew; 

Pursuing them are rogues, and wantons, too ; 

Wolf, vulture, serpent, lamb, pigeon and ass. 

So let the Gay White Way procession pass. 

(Nobody steps politely aside and exits, as Vice, disguised 

as an attractive young woman, trips on, singing and 

dancing.) 

VICE 

Full of glee, follow me. 

Where's the moth loves not the bright light? 

Siren, I. Living lie. 

I'm the spirit of the White Light. 

FOOLS 

Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! 
We're the rising generation. 
Pa, you know, made the dough 
Which we blow in dissipation. 

CHORUS OF GIRLS 

Giddy girls, flaunting pearls. 

Decked in garments gay and gorgeous. 



EVERYWOMAN 91 

Laughing loud, swell the crowd 
At all bacchanalian orgies. 

(Rogues^ Gamblers, Stockbrokers, and other Vaga- 
bonds, enter, singing in chorus.) 

CHORUS 

We are crooks, but our looks 

And our manners are deceiving. 
Honest graft is our craft — 

Impolite to call it thieving. 

(Fools Mrt with Vice. Rogues, Vagabonds, etc., cross 
stage, each lifting his hat to Vice as he passes. The 
last one chucks her under the chin. One Fool resents 
this. A fight begins. Law and Order, in the uni- 
form of policemen, enter, and seize the combatants. 
The Fool gives Law money. The Rogue shoivs his 
card to Order, who touches his hat respectftdly. The 
Rogue and Fool exit, arm in arm, in one direction. 
Law and Order march off in the other. Snow begins 
to fall.) 

(Everywoman enters. She is shabbily dressed, and 
looks ill and emaciated. She clings to Youth.) 

youth 
Oh ! Everywoman ! Whither goest thou ? 
I fain would be thy shadow, but I feel 
My limbs are growing weak, and at my heart 
There lies a sickly fear lest Time, the callboy, 



92- EVERYWOMAN 

Shouldst tear me from thee. Those there are who say 
That Time hath sworn to kill thy Youth, 'cause thou, 
O Everywoman, in wantonness, hath tried, 
Ever and anon, to kill Time. 



EVERYWOMAN 

Nay! Bear up. 
Cheer up, my Youth. Thou art my only hope. 
Without thine aid how can I seek to win 
The laurels! have lost? Thou knowest well, 
When Beauty died, the fickle friends who once 
Installed me as a star, forsook me, scorned me. 
Yet I still have thee, and Everywoman 
Loves her Youth more fondly year by year. 
Within these portals, where merriment unchecked 
Hath sway, we may find one who can restore 
Thy peace — my happiness. 

YOUTH 

Thou seekest Love? 



EVERYWOMAN 

I seek Well, what doth Everywoman seek 

Who knows not Love ? Whose quest hath been in vain ? 
'Tis Wealth I seek. Nay, Youth, thou shalt not shrink 
From me. Dost recollect, at Beauty's grave 
Wealth bade me a cold good-by? Till then he was 
My slave. I owned him, body and soul. Now, thou 
And I will win him back again. 



EVERYWOMAN 93 

YOUTH 

{shuddering) 
No! no! 'Twas Wealth caused all our woe! 

TRUTH 

{an old witch, hobbles on) 
Charity! Charity! I seek. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Now, Youth, behold! 
Here's Poverty. Let's question her, and see 
If Wealth or Poverty the kindlier be. 

{To Truth) ^ 

Old woman, of thy wisdom, prithee, tell us 
What is true happiness? Where can it be found? 

TRUTH 

A myth — a mocking mirage. A poet's dream. 
The fleeting substance of a maniac's scheme. 
A will-o'-the-wisp is happiness. When sought, 
'Tis ever out of reach ; 'tis never caught. 
A timid, hunted hare — in its pursuit 
Woman becomes a wanton, man a brute. 
Yet happiness shall surely come apace 
To those who take no pleasure in the chase. 
I tell thee — warn thee, Everywoman, Youth, 
If happiness thou seekest, follow Truth. 
Charity! Charity, I seek, 

{She exits.) 



94 EVERYWOMAN 

EVERYWOMAN 

She asketh alms. 
Poor wretch ! Yet speaketh she of happiness 
As if akin to it — and she is pcor. Absurd! 

YOUTH 

Nay, Everywoman, art thou sure thou'rt right? 
Her cry was, "Charity, I seek." 

EVERYWOMAN 

A fooHsh quest, 
Along the Gay White Way, where 'tis unknown. 

YOUTH 

But was it merely Poverty that spoke 
Those wondrous words? 

{Looking off at Truth) 
Ah ! Now I know that form. 
Hast thou forgotten how, long years ago, 
She dwelt within thy garden ? Dost recall 
Her word of warning, ere thy quest for Love, 
Thy perilous pilgrimage, began? 'Twas Truth 
That spoke. Hath Everywoman forgotten Truth? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Truth? I know not Truth. 



youth 

And yet, bethink ye. 
There was a time when we sought counsel with her. 



EVERYWOMAN 95 

^ EVERYWOMAN 

Yes. Now I do recall. She was beloved 

By Nobody. Crippled, distorted, though somewhat fair 

Of face. 

YOUTH 

Her voice was evtr sweet. 

EVERYWOMAN 

But not 
So sweet as the voice of Flattery. Dost recollect^ 
She vanished when he spoke? Now he is mute. 
No more he smiles on me, no more he tells 
Of the king I seek. That night, when Beauty died, 
I to my mirror went. Where Flattery was wont to dwell 
I saw a face — not mine, not his. Oh, God! 
'Twas horrible! It maddened me. But now I under- 
stand. 
I looked on Truth. Truth haunts me, grins at me, lurks 
In my mirror, comes uninvited. Now in guise 
Of Poverty she comes. Ah ! Youth, sweet Youth, 
Hide me from Truth. I dare not, dare not face her. 

{Buries head in Youth^s shawl.) 
{Chorus of merrymakers is heard within the supper- 
room.) 

CHORUS 

Sing a merry song to Venus, 
Clothe her in a garb of vine. 

Clink your glasses, 

Kiss your lasses. 
Love is ever born of wine. 



96 EVERYWOMAN 

Fill a flowing bowl to Bacchus, 

Hail him as a god above. 
Burning kisses crown your bliss. 

Wine is ever sire to Love. 

{During chorus, Everywoman and Youth crouch on 

portico, listening.) 
{At the end of chorus the chimes of church hells are 

heard.) 
(Time enters stealthily, folding his cloak around him, 

and clutching a dagger in his hand. He stands 

aloof.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Wealth is there. Didst thou not recognize 
His voice above the din? 

YOUTH 

Oh, Everywoman! Hark! 
The church bells call to prayer, A New Year's born. 
Let us seek Truth. 

{Trying to draw Everywoman away.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

No. I must again win Wealth. 

YOUTH 

And what of Love? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Well, what? Harken— 

{mocking chorus hysterically) 



EVERYWOMAN 97 



'Clink your glasses, 

Kiss your lasses, 

Love is ever born of wine." 



YOUTH 

{pleadingly) 
Everywoman, come away. 

EVERYWOMAN 

{repulsing Youth) 
Hands off ! Thou, Youth, whose aid I counted on, 
Thou, too, wouldst leave me ? Well, I care not. Go ! 
If thou wilt. Get thee to church. I need 
Thee not. 

YOUTH 

Oh ! Everywoman ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

I tell thee go! 

Thou art a puny thing. No fit companion, thou, 
\ For such as I. 



\ YOUTH 

\ But thou lovest me? 



EVERYWOMAN 

{turning angrily on Youth) 
No. Twas thou 
Didst first lead Everywoman astray. 'Twas thou 



98 EVERYWOMAN. 

' Didst tell her that the Love she sought might well 
Be found within the playhouses of the city. 
Thou, Youth. At thy prompting, I, 
Mistaking Passion for Love, lost Modesty. Why, 
■ Thou canting Youth, didst thou not gaily flirt 
With tottering old Age while Beauty lay a-dying? 
Thou renegade ! Thou hypocrite ! Get thee gone ! 'Tis 
time. 

{Goes to portico.) 

YOUTH 

{sees Time lurking near, and shudders') 
Ha! 
Thou'rt right. 'Tis Time, the callboy of the soul, 
Who comes to warn us for our final scene prepare. 
Well, I am ready. But Time, oh, stay thy hand 
Till I once more shall enter the holy church 
Where Charity, God's envoy and ambassador. 
In saintly stole and chasuble, freely granteth 
Absolution to Youth and Age alike. 
Everywoman, thou drivest me hence. Farewell! 
(Time glides away, beckoning. Youth folloius. They 

exeunt. ) 

{The doors of the supper-room are thrown open, and 

Wealth appears in portals, lighting a cigar.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

'Tis Wealth. Now wisdom be my guide. No more 
The follies of Youth shall hamper me. I'll stand 
Aside, and meet him, as it seemeth, by accident. 
{Exits, R.) 



EVERY IV OMAN 99 

(A shower of confetti covers Wealth, and a peal of 
ivomen's laughter from the supper-room greets him 
as he turns.') 

{The Rogues and Vagabonds enter from either side, 
blowing horns, and expressing their joy at the birth 
of a new year by idiotic actions. They stand in line 
on either side of the supper-room portico, forming an 
aisle. From the portals Hock Greed^ Self, Vanity, 
and other social moths and parasites; also Passion. 
The zvomen pelt Wealth with confetti, and enmesh 
him in colored paper ribbons. All sing.) 
(Passion, solo; and Chorus.) 

passion 

(Sings) 
I sing in praise of Wealth 
The patron saint of Passion. 
The uncrowned king of every man. 
To every woman dear. 
Comes he by birth or stealth, 
'Tis he who sets the fashion. 
Let woe take wing 
For Wealth can bring 
A happy and gay New Year. 

CHORUS 

A happy New Year ! A happy New Year ! 
To the multi-millionaire ! 
We worship Wealth, 
And drink his health, 



lod EVERYWOMAN 

So long as he's money to spare. 

A happy New Year ! A happy New Year ! 

And a life of merry good cheer ! 

Woman or man, 

Who knows Wealth, can 

Be sure of a happy New Year. 

PASSION 

'Tis Wealth that crowns our joy, 

'Tis Wealth that fills our glasses ; 

Wealth tiirns our water into wine. 

Uplifts us from our bier. 

In caste or hoi polloi 

'Tis Wealth that wins our lasses; 

The King of Kings 

Is Wealth, who brings 

A happy and gay New Year. \ 

CHORUS 

"A happy New Year," etc. 

WEALTH 

Begone ! The feast is over. Who will call my carriage ? 

ROGUES AND VAGABONDS 

I — and I — and I 

(All exit hurriedly, L.) 

WEALTH 

Wealth bids, and all obey. 

{To women) 
Which of ye will ride with me ? 



EVERYWOMAN loi 

WOMEN AND CHORUS GIRLS 

I — and I — and I 

WEALTH 

Think ye Wealth packs his chariot hke a pubHc car? 
Begone ! Escorts await ye within, Wealth hath full 
accounting made. There's nothing left unpaid. So 
go! 

WOMEN AND GIRLS 

{Exeunt into supper-room, singing) 
A happy New Year! A happy New Year! 
(EvERYwoMAN enters, pensively, and seemingly preoccu- 
pied.) 

WEALTH 

A woman — and alone. Fitting sport for Wealth, 

{Intercepts Everywoman, and lifts his hat.) 
Good evening, little girl! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Sir! 

{Starts indignantly.) 
{Looks at him, hesitates, then advances cordially.) 
Why ! — how f arest thou ? In truth, I'm glad to greet 
Thee once again, 

WEALTH 

Thou knowest me? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Right well. 
Hast thou so soon forgotten ? 



102 EVERYWOMAN 

WEALTH 

No. Thou art Everywoman. 
Egad ! But thou hast changed ! Thy cheeks are pale 
And shrunken. In thine eyes there is no flame. 
Thy form lacks grace and roundness. Then thy garb — 
I see. Thou wouldst ask alms of me. Alack ! 
Thy time is all ill chosen. Others, to-night, 
Have ripped my purse Asunder. Prithee, pass along. 

EVERYWOMAN 

What of those princely gifts, Love's offering ? "A palace 
On Fifth Avenue. A yacht " 

WEALTH 

Pooh! pooh! 

EVERYWOMAN 

"With gems to shame an Eastern potentate " 

WEALTH 

Stand by ! I know thee not. Ah ! Who comes here ? 
A woman— and alone. More fitting sport for Wealth. 
(Vice enters, L., pensive, and seemingly preoccupied.) 

(Wealth intercepts Vice, and lifts his hat.) 
Good evening, little girl. 

vice 
Sir! 

(starting indignantly) 
(She looks at him, hesitates, then advances cordially.) 



EVERY WOMAN 103 

VICE 

Why ! — how farest thou ? In truth, I'm glad to greet 
Thee once again. 

WEALTH 

Thou knowest me? 

VICE 

Right well. 
Hast thou so soon forgotten ? 

WEALTH 

Artful minx! 
I ne'er saw thee before. But still, thy cheeks 
Are plump and pink. Thine eyes flash tempting flame. 
Thy form alluring is. Wilt ride with me? 

(Wealth exits, R., zvith Vice on his arm.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Thus man, for painted Vice, doth Everywoman forsake. 
I am alone. An outcast. Modesty lost to me. 

My Beauty dead. And Youth 

'Tis Youth, sweet Youth! My Youth! Cruel Time 

hath slain her. 
Charity chants, and Conscience sings her requiem. 

(Four AcoLYTESj folloived by four men, enter, march- 
ing solemnly down the street from up left, and hear- 
ing a bier, on which lies the body of Youth. Char- 
ity, a minister of the church, in robes of white, leads; 
Conscience^ in black garb, follows.) 



104 EVERYWOMAN 

CHARITY 

{chanting) 
Behold! Time heweth us down, even as the reaper, 
With his scythe, moweth the fairest flowers of the field. 

CONSCIENCE 

{sings) 
Sing hey! Sing ho! Lack-a-day-dee ! 

CHARITY 

The budding lily sporteth gaily in the vernal sunshine. 
Time calleth the noontide scene, and the blossom rejoic- 

eth in the fullness of its beauty. 
Then night cometh, when all things must sleep. 

CONSCIENCE 

Sing hey ! Sing ho ! For my bonny. 

CHARITY 

But walk ye in righteousness. Follow Truth, and the 

King of Kings, 
The mighty Harvester of Humanity, shall glean ye for 

his garner. 

CONSCIENCE 

Sing weep ! Sing woe ! For my Ladye ! 

(Charity, hier hearers and Conscience exeunt, R.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

"Walk in righteousness! Follow Truth!" Alas! 
That Everywoman should hear the voice of Charity 



EVERYWOMAN 105 

Only when Youth and Beauty have departed! 

i Was it a sin to seek for Love ? If so, 

! E'en sinners before the judgment seat may plead, 

1 In extenuation. 

1 {Kneeling in the snow) 

Ye gracious gods ! More merciful 
Than purblind mortals, judge not Every woman — 
As the world doth judge her — ^harshly, and unheard. 
What wisdom hath she to guide her ? Youth and Beauty ? 
Sweet companions, but fragile, frail, and prone 
To foolish fancies. Modesty? Best of friends 
To Everywoman, but scorned by every man. " 

: Those her advisers. Even they not proof 
Against the insidious tongue of Flattery, If 
She fall — if one false step leads down the path 
To perdition — her Youth and Beauty dead, oh ! who 
Will lend a kindly hand to lead her back again? 
Ye gods of mercy ! In the whole wide world 
Is there no hope for such a one? I cry 
For help! Help! Who will answer? 



NOBODY 

{who has entered unobserved) 
Nobody ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Who spoke ? That voice ! It warned me long ago. 
Speak on ! I listen ! 

NOBODY 

Everywoman, the time 
Hath come to thee when Nobody is thy friend. 



io6 EVERYWOMAN 

Thou lovest Nobody. Upon Nobody's breast 
Shalt pillow thine aching head. Thy scalding tears 
With tenderness shall Nobody brush aside. 
(Nobody bends to embrace her) 

EVERYWOMAN 

(starting up in horror) 
Ah ! No ! no ! Don't touch me ! 
I hate thee! I hate Nobody! 
Help ! Help ! Is there no help, no other hope 
For Every woman? 



Charity I Charity I 



TRtTTH 

(hobbling on) 



EVERYWOMAN 

Ha! Truth! 'Tis Truth, sweet Truth, 
I know thee now. Welcome ! Welcome ! 

(Embracing Truth.) 
Why, Truth, how fair thou art! 
I would that Everywoman wore thy features. 
If I speak falsely, scourge me! What? Thy whip 
Thou carriest no longer. Thou dost not need thy crutch ? 
Give it to me. I am lame, crippled, fallen by the way. 
Within thine hand take mine. 



TRUTH 

(offering hand) 
Wilt walk with Truth ? 



EVERYWOMAN 107 

EVERY wo MAN 

Aye, that I will, 
For evermore. 

(EvERYWOMAN kisses hand of Truth.) 

(The church chimes ring again.') 
(EvERYwoMAN Walking with Truth.) 
Charity! Charity for Everywoman, I ask. 

(Truth leads Everywoman toward church.) 
{Organ peals, and surpliced choir Hies into church sing' 

ing.) 

CURTAIN 



CANTICLE V 

Scene: Everywoman's old home. The same as 

Scene I. It has a deserted appearance. 
The windows are closed. Night outside. 
Snow falling. The room is dark, save 
for the glow of a fire which hums cheer- 
ily on the hearth. A big lounging-chair 
is drawn up to the fireplace. 

Discovered: King Love' the First is discovered loung- 
ing in chair. He sleeps. He wears no 
regal robe, hut is simply clad. A crown 
of thorns and roses, intermingled, lies 
at his feet. The mirror in which Flattery 
was first seen is broken. 

MALE QUARTETTE 

{sings — off stage) 

I When God made the World of Woe 

I Where mortals roam, 

j He built just one resting place 

! And called it Home. 

'< When man sails the Sea of Strife 
Where billows foam, 

III 



112 EVERYWOMAN 

He finds but one peaceful port 
And calls it Home. 

The soul seeks its paradise 

In starry dome. 
But God planted Heaven on Earth 

And called it Home. 

NOBODY 

{Enters, and speaks) 
In Everywoman's deserted home. 
Whence Flattery tempted her to roam, 

And filled her simple mind with thoughts accursed — 
While she is battling with life's storm, 
Hugging the fire, to keep it warm. 

In cosy nook reclines King Love the First, 
Patience personified. But now 
His crown has fallen from his brow. 

And, weary with the vigil that he keeps, 
Though Everywoman may return. 
So long as household fires burn. 

E'en Love is merely mortal, and he sleeps. 
As chorus of this simple play, 
There's little left for me to say. 

And little left that Nobody can prove. 
Though Time may rob her of her Youth, 
If Everywoman is led by Truth, 
J It follows she will surely waken Love. 

(Everywoman, led by Truth, zvho holds aloft a lantern, 
passes the zvindow.) 



EVERYWOMAN 113 

NOBODY 

She comes. The soul within her breast, 
A wounded dove that seeks its nest, 

But knows not that its mate awaits it there. 
She comes. Truth sheds a hallowed light 
Upon her path. Good-night ! Good-night ! 

Let Nobody retire before its glare. 
{Exits.) 



(Truth enters leading Everywoman hy the hand. 

Truth now stands erect, and, in spite of her witch's 

costume, is fair to see. Over her head she carries an 

old-fashioned lantern, which shines brilliantly as a 

\ searchlight. Everywoman, gray-headed, and no 

I longer beautiful, but with peaceful countenance, car- 

I ries Truth^s crutches.) 



TRUTH 

Everywoman, through the dismal night 

The light of Truth hath led thee, weak and worn, 

jBut with unfaltering steps. 



EVERYWOMAN 

Why, Truth ! Hast led me home again ? 



TRUTH 

There! Rest thee here a while. 

(Leads Everywoman to chair, R.) 



114 EVERY WOMAN 

EVERYWOMAN 

{sitting) 
Thou wilt not leave me, Truth? Ah! Don't! I fear 
To be alone. 

TRUTH 

It is not well thou shouldst. 

It is but right that unto Everywoman 

A mate, by Truth well chosen, should be brought. 

There! Rest, dear heart. 

Have no fear. 

I leave my light with thee. 

(Kisses EVERYWOMAN.) 

Soon I return. 

(Exits. A swirl of snow and rush of wind at door as 
Truth exits.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

Fierce is the storm. 'Round Everywoman's house 
The tempest rages. Yet Truth, who knows not fear, 
Goes forth alone. Ah ! Truth, so sweet, so brave, 
Tarry but a while away. I am not strong, 

Save in my love for thee. Love, marvelous Love 

(Love moves in his chair.) 
(Starting) 

What's that? 
Methought I heard, as on my lips 
The word "Love" lingered, something move. 
I dare not stay alone. Truth! Wait — I follow. 

(Going up.) 
No. 

(Stopping.) 



EVERYWOMAN 115 

I'll not. Truth scorns a cowardly act. 
Her light still shines in Everywoman's home. 
She will return. Then here, in sweet content, 
Will I, with Truth, forever more abide. 

LOVE 

{rising) 
Who speaketh of Love and Truth? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Ye gods ! A man ! 

LOVE 

{aside) 
'Tis she. 

{Aloud) 
Fear not. A simple yeoman, I, 
Who, overcome by sleep, for which forgiveness 
I humbly crave, 

{bowing) 
too tardily, I fear. 
But not less heartily and honestly do bid 
Thee welcome. Welcome, Everywoman, to thy home ! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Who art thou? And how cam.est thou? Thou'rt a 
stranger 

LOVE 

No. 

Though yet unknown to thee. When thou didst dwell 
In this, thy home, I thy neighbor was. Well, 



ii6 EVERYWOMAN 

When thou didst leave it who more fittingly 

Could keep aglow the embers on thy hearth? 

Could guard with care thy household goods ? Could leave 

The latchstring out and patiently await 

And see that kindly welcome were not wanting 

On thy return? Could Love such duties shirk? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Love! Love, sayest thou? A neighbor? I know thee 

not. 
This is my home. Thou art 
Intruding. I would have thee gone. 

LOVE 

{h owing) 
'Tis meet 
That Love should Everywoman obey. 
{Going up.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

And yet, 
The night is cold and dark. Pray, do not think 
Everywoman inhospitable; but still, thou seest, thou art 
A man. Everywoman, having known the world, 
Distrusts men. 

(Truth enters.) 
{To Truth) 
Welcome back! 

{To Love) 
Oh! Truth! 

Come hither! Stranger, let me introduce 
Thee to Truth. 



EVERYWOMAN. I17 

LOVE 

{holding out arms) 
Mother ! 

TRUTH 

My son! My dearly beloved son! 

(Love and Truth enhrace tenderly.) 

EVERYWOMAN 

{in astonishment) 
Thy son ! I did not know 

TRUTH 

No. 'Tis not given 
For Everywoman, until her hair grows gray, 
To know that Love is ever born of Truth J" 
That Truth is mother to Love. "^ 

EVERYWOMAN 

So thou art Love ! 
Art thou indeed a King? King Love the First? 
Where is thy throne? 

LOVE 

Within thy heart, O Everywoman! 

EVERYWOMAN 

Where is thy kingdom? 

LOVE 

In Everywoman' s home. 



ii8 EVERYWOMAN 

EVERY wo MAN 

Where is thy crown? 

LOVE 

At thy feet. 

EVERYWOMAN 

(picking up crown) 
Why, this is but a garland of briers and roses ! 



LOVE 

I fain would place it on thy brow. 

Wilt be my Queen ? Wilt share a crown in which 

Joy overshadows sorrow, but sorrow hides, 

Unseen, yet ofttimes not unfelt? Such 

The only crown Love, born of Truth, can offer. 



TRUTH 

Love, thou hast waited well 

And patiently. Every woman, thou, with Youth and 

Beauty, 
Pursued a foolish quest. Thy suffering led 
Thee to Truth. Truth led thee back to home and Love. 
What wouldst thou now ? 

EVERYWOMAN 

Nay, Truth, what more? What more 
Could Everywoman crave, save that it were 
To be more worthy ? 
Selfishly have I sacrificed 

Youth, Beauty, Modesty. Now only the woman — 
A weak and weary woman's soul is left. 



EVERYWOMAN 119 

LOVE 

Wilt be my Queen? 

EVERYWOMAN 

I am unworthy ! Nay ! 
Nay ! Let me at thy feet remain. Why, Love, 
How strong thou art ! Love lifteth Everywoman up. 

LOVE 

Wilt be— 

EVERYWOMAN 

Thy loyal subject. Thou shalt be 
My King. Oh, Love ! How noble thou art ! 
And how close thou boldest me! 
Not that I mind,.:"for I am thine — all thine ! 
{They are about to kiss, when Modesty knocks at the 

door.) 

modesty 
{outside) 
Shelter! Shelter, I crave! 

TRUTH 

A benighted traveler knocks. 

LOVE 

We would be alone. 

TRUTH 

My son, the snow falls fast. The night is cold. 
Everywoman, what sayest thou? 



I20 EVERYWOMAN 

EVERY wo MAN 

I have Love, I have Truth. Henceforth, all who knock 

at my door, 
Shall find it opens unto happiness. Come in ! 

(Truth opens door. Modesty enters, agitated.) 

Modesty ! Thank the gods ! Thou hast returned to me. 

{Embraces her.) 

MODESTY 

I have escaped. They bound me, tortured me, sought to 
slay thy Modesty. 

EVERYWOMAN 

Yes ! yes ! But in my heart I knew 
Right well thou wouldst return to me when Love, 
True Love, was found. 

TRUTH 

Love, my son, with me 

Till morn shalt thou abide. Everywoman at the church, 
Where, through Charity, sins and follies of mankind 
Find full forgiveness. Love and I will wait 
Thy coming. There shall Love the First, thy King, 
Crown Everywoman his Queen. Come, Love! 
{Holds out hands.) 

MODESTY 

{extending arms) 

Everywoman, 
Come ! 




Canticle V — "God guard thee. 



'Til morn. 



'Til dawn. 



EVERYWOMAN 121 

EVERY wo MAN 

{kissing Love) 



LOVE 

(kissing Everywoman) 



EVERYWOMAN AND LOVE 

God guard thee ! 

(Everywoman ascends staircase with Modesty, looking 
back at Love. Love goes to door tvith Truth, look- 
ing back at Everywoman. As all exeunt, Nobody 
enters.) 

nobody 
The play is ended. This the cue. 
For Nobody to bid adieu. 

But first he'll ask you, in the author's name, 
\ Be merciful, be just, be fair 
iTo Everywoman, everywhere. 
\ Her faults are many. Nobody's the blame. 



CURTAIN 



OV 28 1^11 



'^ 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 
DEC ^^ '^'y 



NOV 28 '9n 



* 



